Here we go beekeeping year two...

Wow what a different experience and sense of confidence going into year two being a beekeeper. 

When the hive died over the winter, I was devastated. I really didn't think I could do it again. I kept thinking it will be so hard to keep going. 

My great support system kept saying I couldn't give up, I needed to try again. So I realized they are right. I need to do this again, and its time to learn all that I can before the bees come.

I spoke with other keepers, ask all the questions, watched all the tik toks, read a few books and researched purchasing a nuc this time. Last year I purchased a 3 lb pack of bees, this year I was determined to do everything possible to get some honey off the bees. 

So Ames farm was a perfect option, I wasn't real happy having to drive to pick them up because what is it going to be like with bees in the car, and all those questions started to run through my head. 

Then I thought what about a second hive....I mean they say two is better than one. So a second hive it is. I am very much the person that does the research, so it took a little to decide on which hive next. While I also had to make sure I had all the extra boxes, all the frames, and just making sure I was prepared. Now my frames were all full of honey. How was I going to make sure they had room to lay eggs when the frames were full? So....more boxes, and another lesson learned was buy the preassembled. The frames I got last year, well they were starting to show wear and some were falling apart. So what about an automatic stapler that would keep them together....yup sounds like a great idea. By this time it was time to get repairing those frames, and get ready for another year of keeping. 

I needed stands, but worry no more my moms boyfriend did a great job of making two solid stands, and new entrance reducers. Next thing I need to show him is the boxes, I am sure he could make those too. 

Fast forward to the week the bees were to be ready for pick up, and I got the email they were delayed. Ok, I can deal, but I needed to make time to pick them up. All the questions were running through my head how do I bring them home.....call your mother ask her to join. What an experience. Beekeepers are seriously oh so nice, all the tips and tricks, and advice for the next winter was great.

This week nuc number one was picked up, because the weather has been horrible in Minnesota nuc number two is not ready until the following weekend. Which actually works out well, gives me time to install one at a time.

Installing the nuc was a bit difficult because it has been raining everyday. A quick 2 hour window today provided for a break in the rain. It was so fun to see the queen right away, the nuc is so established and ready for get out and explore.